2003: The Year in Numbers

Aug. 27 --As the old adage goes, records were made to be broken, and play in the WNBA is no exception. Whether it was a rookie sweeping the boards or a point guard swiping the ball, 2003 saw a number of incredible statistical feats. Here's a look at 10 amazing numbers that worked their way into the history books this season:

5 ...

... the number of consecutive years that San Antonio's Margo Dydek has led the league in blocks. Dydek averaged 2.94 bpg in 2003.

6 ...

... the number of consecutive years that Sacramento's Ticha Penicheiro has led the league in assists. Penicheiro averaged 6.7 apg in 2003.

Lauren Jackson might not have made the playoffs in 2003, but she did make history.
Rocky WidnerWNBAE/Getty Images

7 ...

... the number of times Seattle's Sue Bird reached a double-double in points and assists this season, breaking the old mark of six held by Penicheiro. Penicheiro owns the record for double-digit-assist games in a season, however, with 11 in 2000.

10 ...

... the number of steals recorded by Penicheiro on July 10, a single-game record. Penicheiro also had 11 assists in the game, thereby making her the only player in WNBA history to have a double-double in assists and steals.

17 ...

... the number of field goals made by Seattle's Lauren Jackson against the Sparks on Aug. 6, a single-game record. This season, Jackson also became just the second player to record seven consecutive double-doubles (Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie is the other), and on July 31 she became just the fourth player to join the exclusive 20-20 club (20 or more points and rebounds in a single game).

24 ...

... the number of rebounds collected by Mystics forward Chamique Holdsclaw in Washington's season-opener against Charlotte, a single-game record. In the same game, 'Mique also reached the 20-20 club (see above) for the second time in her career. She went on to average 20.5 ppg and 10.9 rpg for the season.

... the number of rebounds collected in 2003 by Detroit's Cheryl Ford, a record for a rookie. Ford topped Catchings' previous rookie high (set last season) of 276. Ford's 334 rebounds ranks third on the all-time list, behind Yolanda Griffith (357 in 2001) and Natalie Williams (336 in 2000).

3,000 and counting ...

... the number of career points scored by Charlotte's Andrea Stinson and Houston's Tina Thompson. Lisa Leslie is the only other player to have reached the 3,000-point mark.

Video

Last week, Lauren Hill of Mount St. Joseph University courageously took the floor for her first college game, refusing to let an inoperable brain tumor keep her from achieving her dream – and WNBA stars Elena Delle Donne and Tamika Catchings were on hand to lend their support.